Blue Jacket Park

Inscription

The inscription on the monument located in the parking area on General Rees Avenue (formerly Drive) halfway between Corrine Drive and Glenridge reads:
Blue Jacket Park
For over 30 years, this site served as the Orlando Naval Training Center and was home to the thousands of service personnel known as “Blue Jackets.” In 2000, The City of Orlando designated 55 acres of this historic site as a public park to serve its citizens with a special place for reflection and physical renewal.
Mayor Buddy Dyer
Commissioner Phil Diamond – Commissioner Patty Sheehan
Commissioner Betty T. Wyman – Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum
Commissioner Vicki Vargo – Commissioner Earnest Page
Established 2003

The inscription is certainly true, but there is much more to this story.

Baldwin Park

In 1999, the Baldwin Park Development Company purchased the Orlando Naval Training Center Main Base property from the City of Orlando following an expedited property transfer from the U.S. Navy.

The redevelopment of the property included the demolition of over 250 buildings, 200 miles of underground utilities and 25 miles of roads.

According to information on EPA.gov, the concrete and masonry materials from the demolition were crushed on site and recycled into base materials for the constructed infrastructure, saving an estimated 30,000 dump truck trips through the surrounding community to a construction and demolition debris landfill. The mountain of cement and concrete debris was a staggering site!

Blue Jacket Park

The land designated by the City of Orlando for the creation of Blue Jacket Park in 2000, at a cost of 4.8 million dollars, is only a small portion of the former Naval Training Center which was about 1125 acres and included three lakes, a golf course and the Navy Hospital.

In the side by side comparison, above, with the 1968 layout of the Orlando Naval Training Center to the left and the City of Orlando’s plan for the property on the right, you can see that a large portion of Blue Jacket Park encompasses the land where the former north “Grinder,” parade grounds, gymnasium, field house, swimming pool, barracks, recruit mess hall, training center and the U.S.S. Bluejacket stood.

The Naval Training Center, Orlando, Florida VIP Edition guide published around 1969, provides photographs of the facilities already in use and others under construction. 

From 1973 until the last graduation in December 1994, the Naval Training Center Orlando Recruit Training Command was the only location providing co-ed recruit training. The Recruit Training Command officially closed on March 31, 1995; however, the Orlando Naval Training Center conducted enlisted apprenticeship and technical school training, as well as nuclear power training for officers and enlisted personnel until 1999.

More than 652,000 recruits graduated from RTC before the command disestablished. The Service School Command Orlando officially disestablished in November 1996. The various schools relocated to other bases, primarily Naval Training Center Great Lakes, Illinois. Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, the last major command to remain aboard the training center, graduated its final class Dec. 17, 1998. The command began relocating to Naval Weapons Station Charleston, South Carolina in June 1998.

Memories

Blue Jacket Park is certainly a wonderful place to play sports, walk your dog, exercise, or just sit and relax by the fountain, but it is much more.

Blue Jacket Park is hallowed ground to the hundreds of thousands of recruits who completed basic training at NTC Orlando and were transformed from a young civilian to a Sailor in the United States Navy.

When former recruits come back 30, 40, 50 years later, as they do every year, and gaze north from the Memorial, they do not merely see the expansive green lawn and beautiful fountain in the distance; they see the “Grinders,” the parade grounds, the barracks, the swimming pool, the review stands, and the U.S.S. Bluejacket in the distance. And they hear the sounds of the Navy Band playing, the Recruit Division Commanders leading the drill teams, and the cadence being chanted as recruits march in formation and Pass in Review.

Memorials

The Central Florida Navy League made possible the placement of the Loan Sailor memorial and creation of the unique Blue Jacket Recruit memorial in Blue Jacket Park. In addition, they made possible the creation of the 10-panel tribute to the over 462,000 men and 188,000 woman recruits who attended Navy bootcamp here from 1968 until the last graduation on December 2, 1994.

The Loan Sailor

The Lone Sailor statue was created in 1986 for the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. Today, more than a dozen replicas can be found at Naval memorials at ports around the United States. There are, at this time, three in the State of Florida – Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale and here in Orlando. The Loan Sailor depicts one man, Dan Maloney, a seaman who was assigned to the submarine U.S.S. Alabama.

The Blue Jacket Recruit

The Blue Jacket Recruit, in contrast, is unique. She was designed and created by Central Florida sculptor, artist and Navy veteran Don Reynolds and represents the 188,000 women recruits who graduated from the Orlando Navy Training Center Recruit Training Command.

The Blue Jacket Recruit captures the recruit “on graduation day at boot camp in Service Dress Blue, with the Navy Cutlass sword….” in hand as she gazes across the parade grounds and the grinder to the U.S.S. Bluejacket in the distance. From Central Florida Navy League

Carla Hoskins, Navy League member, and former RTC Orlando recruit, posed for artist Don Reynolds so her likeness could be cast for the female recruit statue. Hoskins graduated from boot camp at NTC Orlando in 1986 and is one of the Navy League members who together raised the $100,000 needed for the statue.

“The statue was cast from a unique formulation of bronze at American Bronze Foundry in Sanford, Florida, with casting that includes brass relics of seven retired U.S. Navy warships welded within, and a small portion of this brass melted into the bronze alloy. Those ships, which are familiar to all Sailors, are USS Lexington, Yorktown, Ranger, Independence, Oriskany, Constellation and Saratoga.” From CFNavyLeague.org

Central Florida Navy League

Established in 1992 as a chapter of the Navy League of the United States, headquartered in Washington, DC, “the Central Florida Navy League is dedicated to the past, present and future men and women of our national Sea Services, especially those who call Central Florida their home.”

The Central Florida Navy League dedicated the Lone Sailor Navy Memorial in 2016, commissioned and dedicated the Blue Jacket Recruit in 2018 and created and installed a ten-panel Memorial Wall telling the history of the Navy here in Orlando and a glimpse into the life of a recruit.

As a civilian association, membership in the Central Florida Navy League is extended to both military members and citizens who did not have the honor of serving. In addition to membership, individuals may support the work of the Navy League by purchasing a memorial paver to be placed in the area of the Sailor and Blue Jacket Recruit Memorial, make a contribution to maintain the memorial and even purchase a replica of the Blue Jacket Recruit created by renowned artist and sculptor, Don Reynolds.

Navy History Wall

The ten-panel Navy History Wall stands beneath the American flag and behind the Loan Sailor and Blue Jacket Recruit. Below are images and transcribed portions of the information displayed on on the ten panels.

PANEL 1 <Click for larger image
THE LONE SAILOR NAVY MEMORIAL OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
HONORING SAILORS
The Central Florida Council of U.S. Navy League chose The Lone Sailor statue to honor over 652,000 Sailors (men and women) who started their naval careers at the former U.S. Navy Recruit Training Center in Orlando, Florida. The Memorial honors veterans of the sea services: Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.

ORIGINAL LONE SAILOR
The original The Lone Sailor statue is located in Washington, D.C. and was created in 1987 by the acclaimed artist Stanley Bleifeld. The Lone Sailor stands in a casual pose wrapped up against a chilly sea breeze, waiting for his ship. He is a seasoned veteran and represents Navy core values of honor, courage, and commitment. Cast in bronze, The Lone Sailor stands over seven feet tall and weighs more than 1000 pounds. His sea bag at his side contains all his essential gear for his next duty station and weights 400 pounds.

CALLING ORLANDO HOME
In April 2017, Orlando became the 14th site for The Lone Sailor and each site is different. This unique and complex design includes many nautical elements such as a Navy pier, bollards, cleats, palm trees, sea grasses, and a compass rose used for navigation. Medallions from each of the sea services surround the flag pole. The ground around the pier is sculpted to resemble waves.

Artist Stanley Bleifeld
Memorial Visionary and Chairman Emeritus: Michael C. Phillips, TDCS USN (ret)Committee Chairman: Andy Mohler, Captain USN (ret)
Sponsored: Navy League of the United States, Central Florida Council
Dedicated: April 2, 2016 to the City of Orlando
Architects: Donald Wishart and Kevin Aust
General Contractor: Blue Cord Design & Construction

PANEL 2
MILITARY SITE HISTORY
CONSTRUCTION OF THE ORLANDO NAVAL TRAINING CENTER (NTC)
Orlando NTC was home to the Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Service School Command, and the Nuclear Power School. In 1973, Orlando became the sole site of recruit training for enlisted women, making it the first co-ed boot camp in U.S. Navy history. NTC Orlando was originally an Army Air Corps logistics base in 1941 and comprised of all the land between what is now Baldwin Park and the Orlando Executive Airport. In 1968, the Air Force turned over the Orlando Air Force Base to the Navy.

In this picture the Navy is creating more workspace. NTC Orlando occupied 1125 acres which included the Naval Hospital, Lake Susannah, Lake Spier and Lake Baldwin.

ROBERT BALDWIN’S LEGACY
Baldwin Park, named after Robert H. B. Baldwin, Undersecretary of the Navy in 1968, was part of an Army Air Station in WWII, and became the site of the Orlando NTC from 1968 until its closure in 1995.

A LANDLOCKED TRAINING SHIP
The USS Bluejacket was used as a training ship at NTC Orlando. This unique base icon served from 1968 to 1993 and stood watch over most of the recruits that marched on the ‘north grinder’.

On May 3, 1969, the Florida Citrus Queen christened the USS Bluejacket at the Naval Training Center Orlando.

PANEL 3

A CITY WITHIN A CITY
There were several different commands at Naval Training Center (NTC) Orlando. Although Recruit Training Command (RTC) was only one of these, it was the largest. RTC provided the training that turned men and women civilians into Sailors. NTC was home to many different schools such as Nuclear Power Training, Seaman Apprentice training, Signalman, Torpedoman’s Mate, and Quartermaster schools.

The base opened July 1, 1968 and closed March 31, 1995. Orlando’s mild climate and proximity to many Navy bases on the East Coast made it an ideal location for training.

The base was fully self-sufficient with housing, stores, post office, bowling alley, restaurants, a gas station, public works, shooting range, fire department, police force, hospital, and a golf course.

PANEL 4

ARRIVAL AT RECRUIT TRAINING COMMAND ORLANDO – A NEW LIFE
From the second the recruits got off the bus at RTC Orlando they knew life would be different. The goal was to turn a civilian into a professional Sailor in under eight weeks.

In the first week, a recruit was given a fresh, clean haircut and issued a full sea bag, which contained the uniforms for a Sailor. The recruit was taught how to fold uniforms, how to wear them, and how to march.

Core Principals of a Professional Sailor: Honor, courage and commitment; Sustained superior performance every day by everyone; Teamwork is essential; Every Sailor is a fire fighter. The ship is your home.

PANEL 5

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A RECRUIT – BASIC TRAINING / BOOT CAMP
Training Included: Firefighting, First aid, Marksmanship, Ranks/Insignia, Physical training, Uniform regulations, Confidence chamber (Tear Gas).

Service Week included assisting support work such as laundry, mess cooking (kitchen detail), and equipment issue.

-Firefighting Training was a team effort, and everyone learned basic firefighting skills.
-In ‘basic,” every Sailor must qualify in weapons training.
-Sailors were taught how to survive in the water.
-During workweek, every recruit gets a chance to lend a hand, like helping out in the galley.
-The JETGUN (Airgun) was used to provide vaccine shots to the recruits.
-Physical Training or ‘PT’ is an essential part of basic training. Recruits were PT’d indoors and outdoors every day.
-Phoning was only allowed during certain stages of training, but writing letters was encouraged and allowed more often.
-Marching taught teamwork and discipline to each recruit.

PANEL 6

GRADUATION – DEDICATION AND HARD WORK PAY OFF
Graduation occurred after eight weeks of intensive training. Brother and Sister Companies conducted a Pass in Review for the official party, typically by a high-ranking Naval Officer or a congressman. If they could attend, friends and family looked on the great emotion and pride. The Navy Band was an important feature of graduation, playing spirited military music such as the “Blue Jacket March” and “Anchors Aweigh.” After graduation, you were officially a United States Navy Sailor, part of a unique and important group of people in America’s history. The recruit arrived as an individual, and left us part of a larger team.

After graduation, most Sailors received transfer orders to “A” school where they were taught the technical part of their job. Some Sailors were sent directly to ships where they could “strike” for a rating (choose a field of work).

 Graduation ceremonies were usually held on Fridays. The ‘Pass in Review,’ as the ceremonies were called, included the Navy Band, honor guard, and the flag team all of which performed while each company marched before the review stand.

AFTER GRADUATION
Many Sailors later work in high risk environments. Following regulations are important for safety and efficiency in the Fleet.

Some of these jobs are: loading ordnance, plane captains of multi-million dollar aircraft, watch standers for nuclear power plants, security, fueling, sensor operators on different aircraft or helicopters, and complex equipment maintenance and repair.

Inspections are held throughout basic training and remain a constant part of military life.

Inspections: Teach discipline and job skills; Instill respect, confidence and pride; Create accountability; Encourage self development; Promote mission readiness.

NOTE: There are many videos of graduations on YouTube. This is a list of about 20 posted over the last 10 years. Click on the link UNDER the screenshot to go to the video.

PANEL 7

HONORING WOMEN SAILORS OF THE NAVY’S FIRST CO-ED BOOT CAMP
Prior to 1972, women who enlisted as recruits were trained exclusively at U.S. Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland. 

At RTC Orlando, women were trained in the same manner as the men. They were housed in a three story, air conditioned building along with 75 to 80 other recruits. Each recruit was required to pass academic and physical conditioning tests as well as frequent locker, barracks, personnel and infantry (drill) inspections.

RTC Orlando graduated approximately 188,000 women recruits during existence, and these women are the inspiration for The Blue Jacket Recruit bronze statue.

Until 1974 all women Sailors trained separately – RTC Orlando was chosen as the Navy’s First Co-Ed Boot Camp. Men and women trained and graduated side by side at RTC Orlando. Almost one third of all graduates at RTC Orlando were women.

PANEL 8

BLUE JACKET RECRUIT BRONZE STATUE HONORING OUR WOMEN SAILORS – MEET SPARKY
Our statue is the first of its kind. It was locally designed and fabricated, and was installed on March 21, 2018, on the 101^st anniversary of the first woman to enlist in the Navy. She stands 6’7” to match the scale of The Lone Sailor and weights 330 pounds. 

She carries a Navy cutlass sword, marking her as a leader of recruits, and has brass relics from seven famous Navy ships welded inside her. She is historically accurate and ready for inspection! Note details such as stitching on her boots, sewing on her rating patch, tiny anchors in her buttons, and the cutlass web belt.

HISTORIC FACTS
RTC Orlando led the way to the gender integrated Fleet as the Navy’s first co-ed boot camp. More than 188,000 women graduated from her until RTC Orlando closed in 1995.

Prior to 1974, all women were trained separately and were very restricted in jobs they could hold in the Fleet. Today every job is open to women. The term “Blue Jacket” is still used today and refers to enlisted Sailors. Her nickname is “Sparky,” used in the Fleet for Sailors who work with radios and electrical gear. See if you can find where she wrote her nickname!

Follow along to see how this recruit was made: Early concept drawing.
Step 1: 12 inch clay concept model is created.
Step 2: Scaled up to 6’7” in hard carved foam.
Step 3: Clay covers foam and every detail is perfected.
Step 4: Molds were made and bronze is cast in pieces. She includes historic Navy artifacts from seven ships.
Step 5: Her finish is transformed to a weathered patina and approved by Artist J. Don Reynolds.
Visionary: Andy Mohler, Captain USN (Ret)
Sponsor: Navy League of the United States, Central Florida Council
Artist: Mr. J. Don Reynolds, U.S. Navy Veteran
Model for Uniform: Carla Hoskins, RTC Orlando Graduate
Foundry: American Bronze, Sanford, Florida
Dedication Ceremony: April 14, 2018

PANEL 9

THE NAVY & MARINE CORPS IN ORLANDO TODAY
Orlando continues to be a centerpiece of Navy and Marine Corps training. Located about nine miles away from The Lone Sailor Navy Memorial, The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division and the United States Marine Corps Program Manager Training Systems provide the focus of high tech modeling, simulation, and game-based training for the Navy and Marine Corps. Simulators developed here are used to train all Sailors and Marines around the world to build skills and improve combat readiness at much lower cost than live training. Simulators are safer, better for the environment, and can provide more challenging and flexible training.

Orlando supports on-going readiness and combat operations around the world. The Navy Operational Support Center supports the U.S. Navy Reserve Force. It provides mission-capable units and individuals to the Navy-Marine Corps Team throughout the full range of operations from peace to war.

U.S. Marines practice air-to-ground attack in a simulated environment.
Virtual reality models train Sailors to operate torpedo tubes.
Pilots use simulators to gain skills and experience dangerous situations in a very realistic flight simulator.
Navy Recruits learn teamwork under stress in a combat ship training device.
Aviators learn to escape from a helicopter simulator under water.

PANEL 10

THANK YOU TO ORU DONORS “BRAVO ZULU”
$100,000+ ADMIRAL
City of Orlando, Central Florida Council of the U.S. Navy League, Orange County Florida Government, Participants of the annual Wounded Warfighter Lone Sailor 5K/10K race.
$20,000+ VICE ADMIRAL
Aegis Technologies, Cubic Global Defense, Dr. Phillips Charities, Fairwinds Credit Union.
$10,000+ COMMODORE
L-3 Link Simulation & Training
$5,000+ CAPTAIN
VADM Alfred Harms, USN (Ret), TDCS Michael C. Phillips USN (Ret) and Diane Phillips, Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant, R-Squared Solutions.
$1,000+ MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER
Ivan and Sheila Jaszlics, Pathfinder Systems, The Lee Foundation, The Rotary Club of Windermere Florida, AAI Textron, American Systems, CDR Bob Karas USN (Ret) and Bobbi Karas, Jon Stein/Disney “EARS to You,” The Recruit Training Command Reunion Committee, First United Methodist Church Oviedo, Military Support Team.

IN-KIND SUPPORT
AECOM, Donald Wishart & Kevin Aust, Architects (GAI), Steve Feller, Architect, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD), National Center for Simulation (NCS), Rollins College, University of Central Florida.

Reunions

Reunions at Blue Jacket Park take place annually and can be emotional events. The RTC Orlando Reunion site contains information on upcoming and previous reunions and projects.

A project to scan 11,000 copies of the NTC – RTC Orlando yearbooks is underway possibly by RTC Orlando Reunion. We’d love to link to the site.

This is the NTC Orlando Rudder for Unit 184 2nd Division graduation on September 10, 1981. Peruse the information and photos around the NTC and be sure to look at all the fresh new recruits in the back of the book.

Part 1 – Part 2

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